Abstract
Though not previously reviewed in this journal, this is not a new book. Published first in 2013 by the now defunct Sheffield Phoenix Press, it is one of a series of introductions and study guides to the Old Testament re-published by Bloomsbury, again in association with the Society for Old Testament Study. An opening chapter, on reading Samuel, considers the book successively as history, prophecy, narrative, myth, and scripture. Chapters follow on literary integrity and structure, on the witnesses to the text of Samuel, and on sources, date, and authorship. Four central themes are then explored: the reign of God, kingship, prophetic authority, and David as chosen king. The final chapter discusses the book’s different approaches to chronology as evidence of its literary sophistication. Firth is well-briefed, writes clearly, and (but?) steers his readers towards the more conservative options.